Exit poll: Most say they’re not better off than 4 years ago

Just a quarter of respondents to an exit poll conducted for the Associated Press on Tuesday say they’re better off than four years ago — but about half say that former President George W. Bush is more to blame for the weak economy than President Barack Obama.

The poll showed that most voters — 6 in 10 — believe the economy is the top issue facing the country.

Obama’s chances for reelection on Tuesday largely hinge on convincing voters that he can build on progress he has made during his four years in office. At last summer’s Democratic convention, he essentially asked voters for patience and said he would keep fighting for the middle class if he’s reelected.

The exit poll doesn’t give the Obama-era economy a good report card, however. About four in 10 voters say they think the economy is improving but more said it’s getting worse.